When Is The Best Time To Buy Property In Australia?
Purchasing property as a first home buyer in Australia is more challenging now than ever. In 2025, the current national median value for a house in Australia is $873,000 in capital cities.
Since 2020, property prices have continued to increase year-on-year, and inflation has made entering the market even more challenging. If you are considering entering or re-entering the property market, you need to know when to buy and ensure that you are financially ready.
Overview
When Is The Best Time To Buy Property In Australia?
There is no “best time” to purchase a property in Australia. Instead, there are some common considerations to consider that may determine whether you are ready to purchase a property. Purchasing a property is a very important task that requires patience and research to determine your budget, where you can afford to buy, and the type of property you will look for.
Some people prefer to buy rather than rent in their late 20s or early 30s to get a foothold in the market early, while others choose to wait until they reach a stable financial position later in life. Understanding your property goals will help you assess the best time to purchase property.
Owner-Occupied Property
If you are purchasing a property to live in, your financial readiness is the most critical factor.
To ascertain if you are financially ready to buy a first home, consider:
Do you have a deposit saved?
Will you purchase an existing home that might need renovations, or build a new home?
What are the current interest rates, and your projected weekly repayments?
It is important to get a loan pre-approval, so when the perfect property hits the market, you are financially ready to move quickly.
Investment Property
If you want to invest in property, ensure your strategy aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
You will need to consider:
How much can you rent out the house for?
How long do you plan to have the investment property?
What is the projected capital growth?
Can you afford the mortgage and rates if the property is vacant?
What are the ongoing costs and expenses, including maintenance, strata and council rates?
What Factors Influence Property Prices
Several key factors can influence property prices, and understanding them can help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.
Interest Rates
When interest rates are low, borrowing money to purchase a property is easier. Lower interest rates make home ownership more attractive and affordable, encouraging buyers to enter the property market. When interest rates are lower, demand for property increases, which can drive property prices higher.
When interest rates are high, the demand for property ownership may decrease. Higher interest rates can cause financial pressure, forcing some homeowners to sell their properties to avoid default on their mortgage
Before you purchase a property, it’s important to forecast your repayments under both low and high interest rates. This helps you assess whether you can manage repayments if interest rates rise and how much surplus you’ll have when rates are lower.
Seasonal Trends
The time of the year you purchase your property can influence the pricing, negotiation power and the level of competition.
Spring is typically the busiest time in the Australian property market, seeing an increase in demand and supply of property. In spring, sellers take advantage of the beautiful weather and prefer to list and present their property in the best condition and weather to potential buyers.
In autumn, property listings often increase as sellers aim to settle before winter. Traditionally, winter sees lower buyer demand due to weather conditions, which can mean less competition and potentially better buying opportunities. However, poor weather can also make homes appear less appealing than they would in spring, leading some sellers to hold off until conditions improve.
The property market typically slows down during the summer months, especially over Christmas and New Year. Many sellers, buyers, and real estate agents take time off, resulting in fewer properties being listed and less overall activity.
For serious buyers, this seasonal dip can present a valuable opportunity. With fewer active buyers, there’s often less competition at auctions, reducing the likelihood of a bidding war. This can give committed buyers a better chance of securing a property at a more favourable price.
Government Initiatives
To help stimulate the property market, state and federal governments may offer initiatives that aim to makie homeownership for particular groups of Australians, such as single parents or first home buyers, more accessible.
Government initiatives can cause a shift in the price of property by increasing demand for properties. While these initiatives aim to improve affordability, they may create short-term price shifts in areas or property types that fall within eligibility thresholds.
Local Market Conditions
Local property market conditions can drastically impact the pricing of properties. Whether it’s an increase in the desirability of rural property or an increase in vacancies of CBD apartments, the market conditions may change due to external forces that shape lifestyles.
When demand in a local area increases due to factors such as buyer interest, population shifts or changing market sentiment, property prices may increase. However, an oversupply of properties or reduced interest in a particular area leads to price decline.
When The Time Is Right, Get A Home Loan From Broken Hill Bank
If you have decided that the time is right and you are ready to enter the property market, Broken Hill Bank can help. We offer tailored home loans with competitive interest rates and features.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us today
FAQ
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There is no single “best” month to buy a house in Australia, however, winter provides the opportunity to purchase with less competition. With fewer buyers in the market, sellers may be open to negotiation. The best time to purchase property in Australia will ultimately depend on your financial readiness and the local market conditions.
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If Australia enters a recession and consumer confidence weakens, property values may decline. Other factors like interest rates, government policy and housing supply will also play a role in determining prices. Historically, some recessions have led to only minor price adjustments, while others have resulted in more significant market corrections.
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There’s no ideal age to buy property in Australia, however, it ultimately comes down to your financial readiness. While many people aim to enter the market in their late 20s or early 30s, others may wait until later in life when they’re in a stronger financial position and feel more confident about managing the responsibilities of homeownership.
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The content in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not take into account your specific financial goals, circumstances, or needs. While we strive to provide accurate and relevant information, it should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice.
Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information provided, we encourage you to evaluate its relevance to your individual situation. Broken Hill Bank recommends consulting with a financial professional for advice, you can contact us directly to discuss your unique situation and receive tailored guidance.